Donald James McDowell passed into the arms of Jesus, Friday, Oct. 28, 2016. The love of his family surrounded him as he ended his life’s journey of 88 years.
He was born at the family farm in Bigler on Aug. 16, 1928. He was the son of the late Lynn and Velma Maguire McDowell.
He worked as an equipment operator for Penbroke and Woolrich coal companies. His love of cooking soon found him as the owner of the C&M Dairy of Philipsburg.
The call of the outdoors found him establishing M&M Construction and working with his sons. When he retired he started the Country Air Driving Range on the farm in Bigler.
He was a mason and a member of the Moshannon Lodge No. 391, Philipsburg. He was also a roadrunner at the Jaffa Shrine, Altoona. He was a member of Gethsemane United Methodist Church, Allport.
He is survived by the love of his life, Anita Coudriet McDowell, for 66.5 years, and his three children, Janice Smith and her husband, Richard of Fort Worth, Texas and Drew and Mark McDowell of Bigler.
He is also survived by four grandchildren, six great-grandchildren; sisters, Theda T. McCulloch and her husband, James of Vienna, Va., Carol J. Brenish and her husband, Bill of Elysburg and Sonya Foster and her husband, Gerald of West Decatur; and a brother, Paul J. McDowell and his wife, Kathy of Bigler.
Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Darrell J. McDowell and an infant sister, Naomi J. McDowell.
He was known for his characteristic laugh and he never met a stranger. He was a man of simple tastes and never cared to wear a tie. To honor him, his wife requests that no ties are to be worn at the visitation and funeral.
Family and friends will be received from 3 p.m. – 9 p.m. Tuesday and again from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Gethsemane United Methodist Church, Allport, with the Rev. James Hollister officiating.
A Â Masonic Service will be conducted at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the church. Burial will be in the Palestine Cemetery, Morrisdale, RD.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to: Gethsemane United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 185, Allport, PA 16821 or to Rowland Theatre, 127 N. Front St., Philipsburg, PA 16866.
Strange & Weaver Funeral Service, Morrisdale, is in charge of the arrangements.
